First Impressions: Intern Post by Alicia Richardson

The road to Bahakwenu Primary school breaks from the main thoroughfare of traffic and meanders down a dusty, muddy, pot-holed trail. I remember being here five years ago. The landscape, now green from a season of rain, has come to life with the flowering cacti and succulent aloe vera plants. The small farm in the distance boasts of corn fields and goats graze on sweet grass amongst the thorny bushes.I’m amazed at how transformed  the area is. No longer parched from the intense sun, a look of renewal and rebirth has come. As we enter the Bahakwenu school compound, I see that it too has changed. An out-cropping of school buildings have been built. Where before, the children gathered for class under the bamburi tree, or in a tiny mud and stick shelter, they now have classrooms of sturdy walls and cement floors. Desks made by local tradesmen are found in most classrooms and even a few chalkboards have been mounted on walls. Though far from the standards of most classrooms, generous hearts and community service have made all the difference in this part of the world. The people here are truly amazing; warm, friendly, yet ever so shy and curious. The food has been plentiful this year, so their faces look round, dusted with a thin layer of fine dirt. Our welcoming party is full of school and community dignitaries, parents, teachers, and a sea of laughing students. I feel like a rock star!